Bear River shocked the Lincoln varsity softball team yesterday shutting out the Fighting Lady Zebras 7-0.

Played at Orrin Hoffman Sports Complex in Lincoln, the game was highlighted by a five-run third inning by the Bruins and a superb performance by pitcher Nerssia Long.

“We definitely came out on our heels,” said Lexie Smith. “We lost at Colfax, we really wanted it. They came out a little more aggressive than we thought.”

Tied at zero after two, Bear River strung together hit after hit in the top half of the third inning that left Lincoln’s defense struggling to find a stop.

“They hit the ball. Four, five base hits in a row,” said Lincoln Coach Donna Tofft. “It was going to come down to somebody getting that first key hit. They did. They timed Lexie (Zebra Pitcher Sheiring).”

Avery Little took the mound in relief during the frame and kept the score at 5-0 through the sixth inning.

“It’s hard, but I’m used to hopping in there in relief,” said Little on inheriting the game. “I just wanted to make sure I hit my pitches right, create groundouts to the infield.”

Little was able to stop the Bruins from putting more runners across the plate, but the Zebras couldn’t mount a comeback in spite of having the game within reach.

In fact, after a single by Lexie Smith in the first inning, Long settled in and didn’t allow a hit for the rest of the game.

“She’s obviously pretty dominant and we know that she is. So I think it got into our heads,” said Smith.

Tofft admits they probably they won’t see a pitcher that pitches as fast as Long in the Sac Joaquin Section Division-III playoffs, but added their focus is on the next two games.

“Our goal right now is to finish two,” said Tofft. “We need Foothill and Placer and hope someone at Placer or Colfax gets Bear River. So hopefully somebody can catch them.”

The Zebras travel to Foothill on May 4th to play the Mustangs. First pitch is at 4 p.m.